Washington (CNN) -In what appears to be an unprecedented move, the audience at President Obama's town hall meeting Thursday may include people found through a casting call, which was advertised on a web site for actors.

MTV, BET and CMT are the three networks sponsoring the event, which will be held at BET headquarters in Washington D.C.

The invitation to participate in the event was posted on the sponsor's web sites and through social media. But it was Back Stage, which bills itself as an online resource for actors, models and other performers, that stirred up controversy when it posted a casting call notice for the same event.

(CNN) - Tea Party-backed Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota raised $5.4 million in the third quarter, her campaign announced Wednesday.

Federal Election Commission financial disclosure reports aren't due until October 15, but Bachmann press secretary Sergio Gor confirmed the number to CNN and said she now has $3.4 million cash-on-hand.

"I am so grateful to the more than 80,000 people who have contributed to my campaign this quarter," Bachmann said in a statement. "Their support is truly overwhelming and I am blessed."

(CNN) – Donald Trump is teaming up with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for a Republican fundraiser later this month, a Republican source with knowledge of the event confirmed to CNN.

The real estate mogul will host a reception for the National Republican Senatorial Committee at Trump Towers on October 25. NRSC chairman Sen. John Cornyn will also join Christie and the Apprentice star.FULL POST

(CNN) - A new poll suggests that Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin is fighting for his political life.

A CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Wednesday indicates that the three-term Democratic senator trails businessman Ron Johnson, the Republican nominee Senate nominee, 52 to 44 percent among likely voters in Wisconsin. Johnson's eight point lead is up from a five point advantage in mid September.